An elder statesman in Rivers State has shed light on the ongoing political tension between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urging residents to remain calm. The statesman, Kingsley Wenenda Wali, described the rift as “just politics,” a common occurrence in democratic systems where power struggles are prevalent. He highlighted that the disagreement stems from a deeper competition for influence between two political figures who were once allies. This nuanced perspective suggests that the current public disagreements are a natural consequence of evolving political dynamics rather than a sign of systemic failure in Rivers State.
However, Wali expressed significant concern regarding the undisclosed details of an alleged agreement made between Fubara and Wike before the 2023 governorship election. This pact, according to him, remains shrouded in secrecy, preventing the public from fully grasping the root causes of the ongoing dispute.
What is the main reason for the Wike and Fubara conflict? The primary reason for the conflict between Wike and Fubara, according to an elder statesman, is the alleged breach of a secret pre-election agreement between the two political figures. The lack of transparency surrounding this agreement hinders public understanding of the dispute’s origins.
He emphasized that transparency regarding the terms of their pre-election accord is crucial for Rivers residents to form an informed opinion about who might be acting in bad faith. The continued secrecy surrounding these terms is a major impediment to a clear public assessment of the situation.
Without knowing the specifics of what was agreed upon, it becomes challenging for the public to accurately gauge the extent of the disagreement. Wali clarified that he is not privy to their private discussions and therefore cannot offer definitive pronouncements on the exact nature of past events.
The statesman also pointed out the unfairness of entering into a political agreement and then subsequently reneging on its terms while expecting public sympathy. Such actions, he argued, lack honesty and require corrective measures from the party that has withdrawn from the pact.
Drawing a parallel to former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s acknowledgement of electoral flaws, Wali criticized the tendency to portray Governor Fubara as entirely blameless. He argued that benefiting from the perceived excesses of a previous administration and then claiming moral superiority constitutes hypocrisy.
Wali recalled instances where supporters of Fubara’s former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), allegedly obstructed Tonye Cole, the 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, from accessing vital election materials for his legal challenge. Benefiting from such actions while later asserting innocence is, in his view, contradictory.
He posed a rhetorical question, challenging the notion of angelic status for individuals who benefit from questionable electoral processes. The act of preventing a rival candidate from obtaining verified election documents, only to later claim moral high ground, is seen as disingenuous.
Rivers residents are urged to critically examine the events preceding and following the election, considering whether these actions truly served the long-term interests of the state. The statesman noted that the populace has grown accustomed to political oppression and mismanagement over time, suggesting the current crisis is not entirely unprecedented.
Despite the current political turbulence, Wali expressed confidence that the disagreement between Fubara and Wike would eventually be resolved, characterizing it as a political matter that should not divide the people of Rivers State.
His plea for calm and transparency arrives at a pivotal moment as political tensions in Rivers State escalate. The emphasis on unity and mutual understanding could be instrumental in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The core of the dispute appears to be a breakdown in trust and a disagreement over the adherence to pre-election pacts, which has spilled into public view.
